Tulsi Gabbard built her career opposing wars, but her silence after one resignation is drawing intense scrutiny

A top counterterrorism official has resigned over the ongoing Iran war, placing National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard under renewed scrutiny. As reported by NBC News, Joe Kent stepped down from his role leading the National Center for Counterterrorism, saying he could not in “good conscience” support the conflict and asserting that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States.

The resignation comes at a pivotal moment for Gabbard, who built her political identity opposing U.S. military interventions, particularly “regime change” wars. Her relative silence since the U.S.-Israeli aerial assault on Iran began on February 28 has drawn attention, especially following the departure of a senior official within her own ranks.

Gabbard is now set to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Lawmakers are expected to press her on both the administration’s justification for the war and her own stance.

The hearing puts Gabbard’s anti-war record under pressure

Lawmakers are expected to question whether Gabbard agrees with the administration’s claim that military action was necessary due to threats from Tehran. The hearing is likely to focus on whether intelligence assessments supported the decision to launch strikes, amid Strait of Hormuz claims that have added to the broader scrutiny.

Hours after Kent’s resignation, Gabbard issued a statement that did not directly address his departure. Instead, she emphasized that the authority to determine whether a threat is imminent rests with President Trump as commander in chief.

She said that after reviewing intelligence, Trump concluded Iran posed an imminent threat and acted accordingly. However, Gabbard did not clarify whether the intelligence community itself assessed Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, or proxy forces as presenting an immediate danger.

Analysts say that omission is notable given her role overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies. Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, said the hearing would be high stakes, noting that Gabbard must balance defending the administration while maintaining her long-standing positions.

Other political figures have also weighed in. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged both Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance to speak openly following the resignation, saying that public attention on the issue is intensifying.

The White House has rejected Kent’s claims, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the administration had strong evidence Iran was preparing an attack. President Trump also commented on the resignation, saying Kent was “weak on security” and that his departure was ultimately beneficial.

Public opinion on the war remains divided, with strong Republican support but significant opposition among Democrats and independents. The political fallout continues to build as debate over the conflict expands, with Lebanon strike warnings adding to the wider regional pressure.

Senator Rand Paul described Kent as an important voice for caution, while retired Army officer Daniel Davis called his resignation an act of moral courage.